This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
Tanzania national team assistant coach Juma Mgunda has highlighted the scale of the challenge his team will face at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship 2024, scheduled for August.
Taifa Stars were placed in Group B, alongside Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and novices Central African Republic.
Following Wednesday night’s draw in Nairobi, Kenya, Mgunda shared his thoughts on the competition, showing his confidence that his team is ready to shine on home soil.
“There are no more small teams in Africa,” Mgunda said.
“Each team that qualified is strong in its own way, and all will prepare for success.” For our part, we must prepare seriously and rigorously to be competitive. »
He stressed the importance of playing at home, saying:
“We’re playing at home, and we have to make sure this Cup stays in East Africa—whether it’s with us, Kenya or Uganda. For our part, we want to go all the way. »
This edition will mark Tanzania’s third participation in this prestigious tournament, after 2009 and 2020. However, the Taifa Stars have never made it past the group stage.
“This draw is like a wake-up call for all of us,” Mgunda said.
“We have to start preparing because this tournament will not be easy. We face very competitive teams, with great references. Our minimum objective is to get out of the group stages. We must represent the image of our country in the best possible way. »
Aware of the challenges, Mgunda stressed the need to build a strong team in the months leading up to the rescheduled competition.
Originally scheduled for February 2024, the tournament was postponed to August 2025 to allow the host countries—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda—to finalize their preparations.
“Our priority now is to build a competitive team. We need to use this time effectively to be ready when the tournament starts,” he added.
Mgunda also expressed hope that this competition would highlight the strength of football in East Africa, with co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania keen to capitalize on home advantage.
As the countdown to August 2025 begins, Taifa Stars are determined to not only break the curse of the group stages, but also position themselves as serious contenders for TotalEnergies CHAN glory on home soil.
